Ravaging Blackrockorcs raided the area shortly prior to the Third War, in order to capture slaves to sacrifice in the name of the Burning Legion.[1](W3 Human 2) The settlement was almost completely defenseless (only a handful of footmen were stationed in the town), but they were able to send a request for help before the attack started. In response, the Order of the Silver Hand moved quickly to prevent the orcs' aggression, dispatching the legendary paladinUther the Lightbringer and Prince Arthas to the scene. Uther advanced to the orc encampment to try and stop the orcs from attacking, and Arthas was sent to defend Strahnbrad, in case Uther was too late.

On his way to Strahnbrad, Arthas rescued Little Timmy from gnolls and killed Menag, Benedict, and their band, the Bloodhill Bandits, who were notorious in the region. Arthas and his footmen arrived later at Strahnbrad, but the attack had already begun. Dean, Joe, Mike, Scott, and many more villagers died. Some defenders of Strahnbrad reunited with Arthas and his men and together they were able to rout the orcs easily. The attack was directed by the Slave Master of the Blackrock orcs, but Arthas and his men defeated his grunts and raiders, finally killing him. The Alliance won the battle, but much of Strahnbrad's population was devastated by the Blackrock raid.[1](W3 Human 1) Stores called "Bob's Guns" and "Tracey's Armory" could be seen in Strahnbrad during the raid.

Strahnbrad was one of the few settlements of Lordaeron to survive the coming of the Plague of Undeath, but fell years later to the Syndicate without the protection of Lordaeron's army. Now inhabited by Syndicate personnel, Strahnbrad is a base of operations for that organization as it conducts efforts throughout the Hillsbrad Foothills and Arathi Highlands aimed at weakening the Alliance.